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I am so thankful for the ‘good land’ of health, journaling, Bible Study, prayer, healthier attitudes, and more I am living in. When I speak of land, I am talking about areas of my life that need to be changed, are being changed, and are changed and made new.
Picture with me if you will, flowing streams and pools of water with springs that gush forth in valleys and hills, full of ripe grapevines, a bountiful table set with beautiful delicious food (and not just food we eat but ‘food’ like – joy, peace, kindness, love, clear thoughts, creative ideas, etc.), a land that is lacking nothing. This land, my friends, is waiting for you and I. This land may be where you and I are at in certain areas of our lives. This land may be in the form of a new friendship, job, exercise, journaling, Bible reading, ministry, home, routine, eating habits, responding and not reacting, or more. We may also be right on the verge of stepping across the boundary line of our new lands.
We need to not worry and try to force our way into the lands in our lives that need change. We must be aware and acknowledge they need change. Once we have done that we can take the next step and ask (I ask God, for my help comes from Him-He has the best ideas and the best plans) ourselves what we can do to implement change – one day at a time, sometimes one moment at a time. We must choose to celebrate (I prefer calling/texting a friend and then telling them of my little success and they ‘woohoo’ with me and celebrate with me).
Picture with me if you will, flowing streams and pools of water with springs that gush forth in valleys and hills, full of ripe grapevines, a bountiful table set with beautiful delicious food (and not just food we eat but ‘food’ like – joy, peace, kindness, love, clear thoughts, creative ideas, etc.), a land that is lacking nothing. This land, my friends, is waiting for you and I. This land may be where you and I are at in certain areas of our lives. This land may be in the form of a new friendship, job, exercise, journaling, Bible reading, ministry, home, routine, eating habits, responding and not reacting, or more. We may also be right on the verge of stepping across the boundary line of our new lands.
We need to not worry and try to force our way into the lands in our lives that need change. We must be aware and acknowledge they need change. Once we have done that we can take the next step and ask (I ask God, for my help comes from Him-He has the best ideas and the best plans) ourselves what we can do to implement change – one day at a time, sometimes one moment at a time. We must choose to celebrate (I prefer calling/texting a friend and then telling them of my little success and they ‘woohoo’ with me and celebrate with me).
Some ‘lands’ (habits, attitudes, mindsets…you get the picture right?) we get to enter right away but others may be conquered little by little because we need to settle in with the new land-cultivate it, survey it, measure it, find its ‘sweet spots’ and more. We must be willing to take the land quick. We also need to be open to take it slow and carefully. This way we can adjust to the new land and all it offers, so it settles deep within our heart, mind, will, body, spirit and emotions. Let’s take this journey together, shall we?
Let me add this one tiny thing (NOT SO TINY MIND YOU), we must be careful that in moving into our new land of health, new attitudes, new routines, and new habits that we do not forget the One who has given us the land and the ability to conquer it. It is His Spirit Who guides us in our decisions, if we let Him and ask Him to. It’s through reading His love letters to us (Bible) we hear and know His plans for us. It’s through prayer and growing in healthy relationships we learn even more and we are sharpened to be used to our maximum capabilities. It’s through journaling, writing down a plan of action in the areas of our lives that need to be changed (financial, mental, emotional, spiritual and physical) we document change, things that need to be changed and more.
Once we have ‘settled’ into our new lands or new life, thoughts, eating habits, etc. we must be so careful not to become proud and forget where we have come from – slavery. Yep, slavery. When we are at the point in our lives that we feel we are in so deep or we cannot change that is slavery. Slavery means to be dominated by another person, attitude, life style and more. Slavery is total subjection to a master. I can think of several areas I have PUT myself or should I say sold myself into slavery: overspending, eating, pride, selfishness, hate, anger and that is just to name a few. (I rejoice I have been made aware, asked for forgiveness with God and others, am turning around and have an action plan!)
We must remember. We must remember we have been led (or are being led or will be led) out of that darkness and not in our own strength and energy. I have many times in my life often forgotten or just flat out wanted to do what I wanted to do and chose not walk in these principles . . .arg . . .but I have found this one thing to be true: when I turn from doing what is wrong and do what is right, then ask for forgiveness, God forgives, heals, restores and helps me to conquer those lands again and more. He does all this SIMPLY BECAUSE HE LOVES ME and not only me, but you too. He chooses us and desires to LAVISH ‘His love’ on us. That, my friends, takes my breath away.
Is there any area in your life that just doesn’t seem to be lining up with what inside you says is right? Would you mind breathing a prayer right where you are?
God, I see I need change. I need Your help to change. Be the change in me. Wendi says I can hear You, so please speak loudly and help my ears/heart/mind/spirit/emotions/will to hear what You are saying, and not the other voices that would try to overwhelm me. Thanks God. Amen.
